Another February is upon us, and with it comes one of Adoption STAR’s favorite offerings of the year – our African and Caribbean American Culture Day (the 3rd annual edition of this fine event, by the way). The event is free and open to the public, so we hope you’ll consider joining us later this month.
“When a family adopts or fosters transracially, they not only become a blended family (as in same-race placements), but also an interracial family. The child will need help in developing her own positive racial/cultural identity, especially if she might encounter prejudice and discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, culture or language.” – Dr. Joseph Crumbley.
Dr. Crumbley’s words are undeniably true, but many folks considering transracial adoption find themselves asking, “How do I help?” There are no simple answers to this question, and no one individual course of action that’s a “silver bullet” for such multi-layered, complex issues. However, there are some things that committed families can do to help meet the needs of their transracially-adopted children (as per the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services):
- Provide the child with positive racial and cultural experiences and information.
- Incorporate and participate in cross-cultural and racial activities.
- Have the interests, skills and resources to meet the child’s dietary, skin, hair, and health needs.
- Help the child engage and connect with other multiethnic/multiracial families.
- Instill a sense of pride in the child’s racial and cultural origins.
Long story short – attending our event is but one “tool” that parents of transracially adopted children can have in their “toolbox” to help their children, as it helps address (at least in part) all of the items included in the aforementioned list. So, please come help us celebrate the last Saturday of Black History Month!
Date: Saturday, February 27th, 2016
Time: 10:30am to 1:00pm
Location: The Commons, 67 Prospect Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201
Description: The event will include food, dance, literature, music, apparel (and other goods), “hands on” hair care, children’s crafts and more. To learn more, check out the event’s Facebook page.
If you’d like to RSVP, please contact us at 716-639-3900 or e-mail as at [email protected].